They say Greig, Bulger’s long-time partner, should spend at least that time in prison because she knowingly protected the mobster.

A report from the Associated Press says that federal prosecutors want to see Greig jailed for protecting one of America’s most violent criminals for more than 16 years.

The remarks were made in a sentencing memo filed in U.S. District Court.

The prosecutors say Greig hid Bulger’s identity and handled the daily tasks necessary for them to keep a low-profile in California before the couple were captured last June.

Bulger and Greig were living in a rent-controlled apartment in Santa Monica when agents swooped and arrested them.

Now 82 and awaiting trial on charges that he participated in 19 murders, Bulger is the former leader of the notorious Winter Hill Gang.

The 61-year-old Greig pleaded guilty in March to three charges when she admitted that she used aliases and obtained prescription medications for Bulger by pretending to be his wife.

The charges carry a maximum of 15 years in prison but federal prosecutors have warned family members of those Bulger is accused of murdering that she could get as little as 32 months under federal sentencing guidelines.

Their memo says Greig deserved a much longer prison term.

Prosecutors wrote: “Greig’s conduct also did far more than protect Bulger from law enforcement. It also denied victims and family members of victims for many years the opportunity to see Bulger answer for his alleged crimes.

“Those victims and the public at large spent sixteen years watching revelation after revelation of violence and corruption unfold while the person allegedly at the center of it, Bulger, was absent.

“The sentence ought to take into account the broader effect of Greig’s conduct in order truly to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the need to promote respect for the law.”

Greig’s lawyer, Kevin Reddington, declined to comment to the Associated Press on the recommendation from prosecutors.